El Dorado
Ashley McBryde Lyrics


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Mornin' side of midnight, 'nother state line comin' up
It's down to the truckers, the troopers, and troubadours like us
I'm out of coffee, Andy's burnin' his last cigarette
And the needle's droppin', but the tank ain't empty yet

We can't stop now, can't stop now
No we can't stop now, El Dorado
Hotel paper full of songs I write for you
Highway sailor, miles and miles to sing 'em to
That silver lining', oh no it ain't hidin' on no map
I gotta find it, I'll pull it down and bring it back

We can't stop now, can't stop now
No we can't stop now, El Dorado
We can't stop now, can't stop now
No we can't stop now, El Dorado

We can't stop now, can't stop now
No we can't stop now, El Dorado




We can't stop now, can't stop now
No we can't stop now, El Dorado

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Ashley McBryde's song "El Dorado" tell the story of a musician on the road, driving through the night from one show to the next. Despite being tired and low on resources like coffee and cigarettes, she keeps going. The chorus repeats the phrase "We can't stop now, El Dorado," which could be interpreted multiple ways. "El Dorado" is a Spanish term meaning "the golden one," often used to refer to a land of gold and riches that explorers searched for in the Americas. In this context, it could represent the idea of reaching a place of success or fulfillment. On the other hand, "El Dorado" could also be interpreted as a place, a destination that the musician is striving to reach.


The second verse adds another layer to the song's story, suggesting that the musician is traveling with a sense of purpose. The hotel paper she writes her songs on is "full of songs I write for you," addressing a specific person or perhaps audience. She's a "highway sailor" with miles to go before she can share those songs. The final lines suggest that the musician is seeking a "silver lining" that's not easily found, but she's determined to find it.


Overall, "El Dorado" is a song about persistence and the struggle to succeed in the music industry. The repeated phrase "can't stop now" serves as a mantra for the musician, reminding her of the importance of pushing through the fatigue and challenges. The song's themes could apply to anyone trying to pursue a dream, even when it feels impossible.


Line by Line Meaning

Mornin' side of midnight, 'nother state line comin' up
It's early in the morning, and we're close to crossing another state line on our journey.


It's down to the truckers, the troopers, and troubadours like us
We are relying on the truckers, policemen, and traveling musicians like ourselves for support and companionship.


I'm out of coffee, Andy's burnin' his last cigarette
I am out of coffee, and my companion Andy is smoking his last cigarette.


And the needle's droppin', but the tank ain't empty yet
The fuel gauge is getting low, but we still have some gas left in the tank.


We can't stop now, can't stop now
We cannot afford to stop our journey.


No we can't stop now, El Dorado
We must keep going towards our destination, El Dorado.


Hotel paper full of songs I write for you
I have filled the hotel paper with songs that I have written for my companion.


Highway sailor, miles and miles to sing 'em to
We are traveling on the highway for long distances to reach a stage where I can perform these songs.


That silver lining', oh no it ain't hidin' on no map
There is hope and positivity ahead, although it cannot be found by following a map.


I gotta find it, I'll pull it down and bring it back
I need to seek out that positivity and bring it back with me on this journey.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Ashley McBryde, Patrick Savage, Randall Snowden

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@rickycoker5830

Each Sunday afternoon my 8 year old granddaughter and me go for a ride in my old pickup. We play Strait, Jones, the Hag, Zac Brown among others. Her favorite album is Ms. McBrydes. When this song appears she makes a slight adjustment to the lyrics.This song, to us, will always be known as Sil Verado. Only thing is she now wants tattoos just like Ashley.

@seanhenry469

She’s has 2 concerts in my area this summer. I so can’t wait to see her. She is my all time favorite. True country at its best!!

@jasonstika1240

I just discovered her today after hearing One Night Standard and looking for what else she sings. She is amazing. Her song writing is really really good. I love almost every song that i have heard. I would love to go to a show. Come to Utah please! I love her classic sound.

@sha6mm

A very nice song. I am going to half to see this young lady in Concert.

@avalonsunset3159

This is classic Springsteen!

@tedmccarthy1401

Thank you so much Ashley!!!!

@rush437

15K views and 11 comments on this great country song but FGL gets millions of views. the classic country sound is never coming back to mainstream, keep on rocking ashley

@tosborne8062

Hoku! Perfect Day! Thanks that's what this song sounds like much!...

@tosborne8062

sorry I meant a comparison I have been showing your song to others including my mother she likes and other! Keep doing what you doing good Luck! (btw you kinda have Reba sound) which is beyond epic..

@antoniobiasi8255

hi Ashley love your music from Australia

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